HC Deb 08 February 1956 vol 548 cc1662-3
8. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to stabilise both wage rates for the railwaymen and fares to the public for a definite period in an effort to correct the continued inflationary wage-price spiral.

Mr. Watkinson

No, Sir. The terms and conditions of employment of railway-men are settled through the long established machinery in the railway industry. As far as fares are concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Scots-toun (Sir J. Hutchison) on 25th January.

Mr. Fisher

Would it not be a splendid thing if the nationalised transport industry could follow the example of the private enterprise cement industry and stock brick industry in stabilising prices, thus making a real contribution to the solution of the nation's economic difficulties? Will not my right hon. Friend further agree that, whilst Sir Brian Robertson's objective of a contented staff is very laudable, there is also something to be said for having contented passengers and contented customers?

Mr. Watkinson

Perhaps my hon. Friend has not paid enough attention to the fact that until one has a contented staff one does not get contented passengers.

Mr. D. Jones

If the right hon. Gentleman is issuing any directions at all, will he issue directions to the British Transport Commission to bring the wages of railway men up to the normal standard in this country before doing anything about a wage freeze?

Mr. Watkinson

I said that wages must be handled through the ordinary machinery of the industry.

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